Breed Spotlight: Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog

Everyone asks, “What breed is Riley?” The answer: Riley is a rescue dog. There’s no way for us to know for sure what she is! But judging from her appearance and temperament we’ve concluded that she is a Catahoula Leopard Dog mixed with some sort of hound. And for those of you saying “Cata-What?” here’s some information on my favorite dog breed…Yes, I am very biased!

Riley with her Kong Tennis Stick

A Brief History

In the Southeastern U.S., Native Americans used the Red Wolf to hunt. Among the various tribes that lived in the Mississippi Valley in the 18th-century were Creek, Avoyelle, Tunica, Choctaw, Chickasaw and Caddoes.

When the Spanish first attempted to colonize the Americas and search for gold, they brought with them “war dogs” to help in their looting. Those dogs included Greyhounds and Mastiffs. Through explorations and complex trade networks with Native Americans, these “war dogs” reached the lower Mississippi Valley. The dogs were then bred with the Red Wolf, and the new hybrid was called Wolf Dog. When the French came to colonize lower Louisiana, they brought with them the Beauceron. Wolf Dogs and Beaucerons mixed to form our modern day Catahoula. Throughout the 1700s, Choctaw, Avoyelle and Tunica Indians were experienced herders and traders of livestock, using the Catahoula as a working dog.

Appearance

Catahoulas are fairly large dogs. Females are 50-65 lbs and males are between 65-90 lbs. They come in many colors and shades and are most famous for the merle coloring which can be blue (like Riley), black, gray, liver or red merle. As with their coats, the Catahoula’s eyes vary in color. They can be brown, blue, or even two different colors. Or, like Riley, they might have “cracked” eyes which mean one eye exhibits two different colors at the same time.

Temperament

Catahoulas are not aggressive but they are very assertive. You must be serious to own one of these, and understand how to lead your pack. Otherwise, a Catahoula will do it for you! Catahoulas are working dogs, so they have a lot of energy. The key then for a Catahoula owner is to keep your dog active both physically and mentally. Long walks and runs are important. We vary our long walks with intense “ball playing” sessions—using a racquetball racket and bouncy ball — and with days at doggy day care where Riley is happy to herd and play chase with the other dogs. For mental exercise we rely on IQ games and teaching Riley tricks.

Because of their strength, enthusiasm, protectiveness and high intelligence, it is crucial to train the Catahoula. Riley learns very easily and quickly because she is smart and food motivated. We think this is the hound trait in Riley.

Catahoulas are very good with children and make expert babysitters. Riley loves children because she thinks their sticky hands taste great!

Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog Puppies

Working Dogs

Catahoulas can be used in a wide variety of situations and are one of the most versatile working dogs. They are hunters, herders, search & rescue dogs, and narcotics-sniffing dogs among other things.

Breeding

The genetic flaws in Catahoulas are deafness and blindness. These problems are often intensified with irresponsible breeding. Therefore, it is especially important with Catahoulas that you find the best breeder possible.  Before you begin looking, read our article on how to choose a breeder.

People often ask us if we are breeding Riley. That answer is no; she’s spayed.

But if you are interested in Catahoula Leopard Dogs I urge you to visit Abney Catahoula…tell them Doglirious sent you. Or contact COBRA for a list of breeders near you.

At the end of the day, realize that a Catahoula is not for everyone. I promise that they will drive you crazy, but once you get to know one, you might very well go Doglirious.